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Faith as a driver of climate commitment

A new study explores how religious faith can complement climate science, providing hope, meaning, and motivation for continued action. Faith-based activists in Sweden and South Africa reveal that spirituality gives them strength and direction to commit to climate issues.

SourceUppsala University·TypeCase study·DateFeb 25, 2026

How to motivate collective action on climate

A Stanford University study found that showcasing past collective efforts on climate change can motivate individuals to take action. The most effective interventions combined evidence of impact with social and emotional benefits, increasing willingness to take public awareness actions by 30% and political actions by nearly 14%.

SourceStanford University·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 27, 2026

Socio-environmental movements: key global guardians of biodiversity amid rising violence

A new study reveals that socio-environmental mobilizations play a critical role in global biodiversity conservation by resisting environmental degradation. These local struggles often overlap with global conservation priorities, highlighting the need for policy shifts to recognize and support these movements.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCase study·DateJan 19, 2026

When speaking out feels risky

A new study from Arizona State University and the University of Michigan explores the strategic trade-offs individuals make when facing punishment for dissent. The research reveals that self-censorship is a rational response shaped by the interplay of boldness, surveillance, and punishment severity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 3, 2025

Political parties in South America relied on will of the people to implement major economic reforms, analysis shows

A study by University of Exeter researcher Dr Pedro Perfeito da Silva explores the impact of popular resistance and union support on economic policies in Ecuador and El Salvador. The findings suggest that administrations reliant on strong public backing implemented stricter capital controls, while those with less support adopted more n...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalReview of International Political Economy·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2024

Will the 2024 Olympic Games become the playing field for social justice protests?

The 2024 Olympic Games may face social justice protests due to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) rule on neutrality. Human rights activists argue that the IOC's Rule 50 creates a systemic barrier to racial justice, despite team members participating in Racial and Social Justice initiatives.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSport Management Review·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 5, 2024

Political elites take advantage of anti-partisan protests to disrupt politics

New research from the University of Notre Dame reveals that protest movements against political parties can inadvertently empower politicians who use them to disrupt the status quo. The study analyzed 12 case studies across Europe, Asia, and North and South America between 2008 and 2016, finding varying outcomes including factional cha...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·TypeCase study·DateMay 24, 2024

After COP28 “insider” climate activists will become increasingly important, study suggests.

A new study suggests climate activists are increasingly adopting 'insider' activist roles, working within their own organizations to drive meaningful change. Researchers identify different types of activists, including those who seek to undermine or challenge organizations, highlighting the growing importance of collaborative and conte...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2024

COVID-19-related jail decarceration did not affect crime in California

A new study by researchers at UC Irvine and the University of Arizona found no consistent relation between COVID-19-related jail decarceration and violent or property crime in California. The study suggests that downsizing, on average, did not drive crime increases statewide, but notes limitations such as a short measurement period.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJournal of Contemporary Criminal Justice·DateOct 20, 2023

How an “AI-tocracy” emerges

A new study by MIT researchers finds that China's government uses AI-driven facial recognition to suppress dissent, but this approach also spurs the development of better AI tools and other innovative technologies. The study suggests that this 'AI-tocracy' cycle entrenches the regime while stimulating further innovation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateJul 13, 2023

New analysis: Kaepernick was denied his “right to work” because he, like other Black male athletes before him, challenged structural racism and white supremacy

A new analysis re-conceptualizes Colin Kaepernick's NFL lock-out as a denial of his 'right to work' due to structural racism and white supremacy. Researchers compared Kaepernick's case to those of six other Black male athletes who faced similar challenges, finding that he was unfairly penalized for protesting systemic issues.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Black Studies·TypeCase study·DateJun 23, 2023

Modern arms technologies help autocratic rulers stay in power

A large study reveals that access to modern military technology substantially reduces the probability of democratisation of authoritarian regimes. The spread of ground-breaking 29 military technologies in all independent states from 1820-2010 confirms connections between state's access to specific weapons, economy, and form of government.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalThe Economic Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2023

Does proximity to protest sites affect people’s political attitudes?

A study found that residents living near occupied areas during the Occupy Central Movement in Hong Kong became more liberal and supportive of pro-democracy camps, with the phenomenon lasting long after the protest. The researchers attribute this to the 'on-site' effect, which increases sympathy for protesters.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Sociology·DateJan 11, 2023

Italian sailors knew of America 150 years before Christopher Columbus, new analysis of ancient documents suggests

Ancient Italian writings suggest that Genoese sailors were aware of North America 150 years before Columbus' famous voyage. The discovery, made by Professor Paolo Chiesa, refers to an area known as 'Markland'/ 'Marckalada', mentioned in Icelandic sources and identified as part of the Atlantic coast of North America.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalTerrae Incognitae·DateOct 8, 2021

Public opposes repressive policing of protesters, but fear, racial beliefs, protests’ goals can boost support for police control

A new study found that the public generally opposes repressive policing of protesters, but certain tactics by protesters increase fear and support for police repression. The goals of protests also impact support for police repression, with racially resentful individuals more supportive of repression.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology·DateAug 17, 2021

Study shows impact of protests on stock prices

A new study by Sarah Soule and Brayden King found that protests related to labor or consumer issues provoke a more negative reaction from investors. Protests with greater levels of media coverage also have a stronger impact on stock prices, even if the actual size of the protest is small.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateOct 8, 2007